The coating is expected to provide a long-term protection through the life of the aircraft carriers and is considered a key part in the preparation of the first carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth for sea trial next year, followed by flight trials in 2018.

Of the total 19,000m² flight deck area of QEC carriers, the coating is applied on the sections measuring 2,000m² by a specially developed robotic spray that fires powdered metal through a plasma jet at a temperature of approximately 10,000°C (18,000°F).

The molten drops quickly condense and flatten to create a 2mm-2.5mm thick, rough and tough coating with the steel structure.

The thermal coating work is expected to be completed prior to the sea trials.

"Working with experts in the UK, we have developed a unique coating to provide the necessary protection to the flight deck of the aircraft carriers and this will ensure they can deliver the UK’s carrier strike capability for the next fifty years."

The UK Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers are said to be the biggest and most powerful naval assets being built in alliance with Babcock, Thales, BAE Systems, and the UK Ministry of Defence.

The vessels will be deployed for a range of operations, including engaging in warfare while aiding in humanitarian and disaster relief efforts.